What does the term 'bootable media' refer to in troubleshooting?

The term 'bootable media' refers specifically to external devices that can be used to start a computer when the operating system (OS) fails. Bootable media typically includes items like USB drives, CDs, or DVDs that contain a bootable operating system or utility. This media enables a computer to bypass potential issues with the installed OS by loading an alternate system environment, allowing for troubleshooting, repair, or reinstallation tasks. This is particularly important in scenarios such as system recovery, where access to the OS is necessary to resolve issues, run diagnostics, or perform maintenance.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition of bootable media. While software for analyzing hardware issues may facilitate troubleshooting, it does not pertain to the concept of being bootable. Documentation for software installation is supportive in nature but does not serve the function of bootable media. Temporary files created during an OS update are informative for maintaining system performance, but they likewise do not serve the purpose of initiating a system when the OS is non-functional.